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Vikings Announce Final QB Decision Following Kyler Murray Move
Matt Krohn-IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Vikings Announce Final QB Decision Following Kyler Murray Move

Originally posted on Athlon Sports  |  By Yagya Bhargava  |  Last updated Sep 18, 2026 3:45 PM ET
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Kyler Murray and the Minnesota Vikings got off to a rocky start in their Week 1 win over the Green Bay Packers. The Vikings quarterback left the game with a concussion after scrambling outside the pocket and taking a hit between two Packers defenders.

Trainers helped him off the field, and after being evaluated in the blue medical tent, he was sent to the locker room. Minnesota turned to backup Carson Wentz, who settled in and helped the Vikings pull away. The veteran completed 12 of 19 passes for 133 yards and three touchdowns, and Minnesota closed the game on a 29-0 run over the final 20 minutes to win 39-22.

That start looked like it might carry Murray through a short absence, but the concussion lingered into the next week.


Minnesota Vikings quarterback Carson WentzMatt Krohn-Imagn Images via Reuters Connect

On Friday, the Vikings ruled him out for Week 2 while he remains in the league’s concussion protocol. Murray is expected to clear the protocol soon, but Minnesota didn’t wait to make its call at quarterback for Sunday.

The Vikings announced that head coach Kevin O’Connell has named Wentz the starter for Sunday’s game at Chicago, with J.J. McCarthy serving as the backup.

Wentz started five games in place of McCarthy last season, going 2-3, before a season-ending surgery on his left shoulder ended his year early. Minnesota brought him back in March, one week after signing Murray, who then beat out McCarthy for the starting job during training camp.

O’Connell, though, opted to lean on Wentz’s experience in the No. 2 role behind him.

The Vikings will play the Chicago Bears in Week 2 of the 2026 NFL season on Sunday, with kickoff set for 1 p.m. ET.

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This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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